“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Psalm 34:18

The past two years, and in particular the past two weeks, have felt surreal. I’ve watched friends lose their homes and their livelihoods due to lockdowns and mandates. I’ve watched families ripped apart over health decisions. I’ve seen firsthand the impacts on children’s mental well-being. I’ve talked to and prayed with so many people who are broken and grieving.

I, too, am broken and grieving.

I’ve never seen this level of hatred and division in our country. And last night’s vote in Parliament just added more fuel to an already raging fire.

Where is God in all of this?

Yesterday, I came across a quote that spoke deeply to my heart:

“Confidence in God’s total sovereignty is crucial to our trusting Him. If there’s a single event in all the universe that could occur outside His control, then we cannot trust Him. However infinite His love, if His power is limited and His purpose preventable, we cannot trust Him.” (Jerry Bridges)

In the midst of the chaos, God is right here. And He is still sovereign. His power is not limited and His purpose is not preventable.

He is close to our broken hearts. He will save our crushed spirits. He will never abandon us or forsake us.

He is with us, walking through the grief with us. He is holding our bruised and hurting souls.

And though it’s hard to understand His purposes right now, He assures us in scripture that He is working all things out for our good.

We can trust Him.

Unreservedly.

Scriptures to meditate on:

When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
(Isaiah 43:2)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
(Matthew 11:28-30)

You are my hiding place;
    you will protect me from trouble
    and surround me with songs of deliverance.
(Psalm 32:7)

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”
Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You will not fear the terror of night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
    nor the plague that destroys at midday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
You will only observe with your eyes
    and see the punishment of the wicked.
If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
    and you make the Most High your dwelling,
no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
    you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”
(Psalm 91)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:6-7)

"For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'"
(Isaiah 41:13)

"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or "What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
(Matthew 6:31-34)

I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
    he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
    their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
    he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
    and he delivers them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
    blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
(Psalm 34:4-8)

 You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you.
(Isaiah 26:3)

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
(2 Thessalonians 3:16)